Four Schofield soldiers killed in Afghanistan crash identified

Four Hawaii soldiers who died in Thursday's Black Hawk helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan have been identified.

Chief Warrant Officer Brian D. Hornsby, 37, of Melbourne, Florida was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and

Chief Warrant Officer Suresh N. A. Krause, 29, of Cathedral City, California was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and

Sergeant Luis A. Oliver Galbreath, 41, of San Juan, Puerto Rico was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and

Sergeant Richard A. Essex, 23, Kelseyville, California was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

They died of wounds suffered in the August 16th crash of a UH-60 Black Hawk, which they were manning.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hornsby's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hornsby joined the Army September 15, 1998 and became a UH-60 Pilot March 11, 2003.

This was Hornsby's second deployment. He was married with two children.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krause's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Army Aviator Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Krause joined the Army February 1, 2007 and became a UH-60 Pilot June 22, 2009.

This was Krause's second deployment.

Sergeant Oliver Galbreath's awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Army Aviation Badge.

Sergeant Oliver Galbreath joined the Army January 25, 2003 and became a UH-60 Helicopter Repairer December 4, 2003.

This was Oliver Galbreath's second deployment. He was married with three children.

Sergeant Essex's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Aviation Badge and the Drivers Badge.

Sergeant Essex joined the Army July 1st, 2008 and became a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic November 23, 2008. This was Essex's second deployment.

"Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of our fallen heroes," said Maj. Gen. Kurt Fuller, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division. "Although the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade family has suffered a huge loss, they still continue their mission with the utmost courage and resolve."

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.